Identify and describe the steps of the scientific method

Process:

1. Read the article summaries below, and choose one for your assignment report.

2. Review the assignment questions.

3. Retrieve the full article using the hyperlink (UMUC permalink) provided right below the title.

4. Write a report that includes answers to the listed questions, numbered, in order.

5. Submit your report to Turnitin.com to check for plagiarism (Originality Score must be less than 25%). See the instructions for Turnitin.com below.

6. Save your paper in the following format: LastName_Writing Assignment1.doc and submit to your Assignments folder for grading by the due date. Reports that have not been submitted to Turnitin.com or that have a Turnitin.com Originality Score greater than a 25% will be returned to the student ungraded.

Assignment Questions: Answer the following questions, numbered, in order, in your report. Missing question numbers or answers will score a zero. Write your report in your own words with proper grammar and spelling (10 points).

1. Title of the study you are analyzing:

2. Identify and describe the steps of the scientific method (50 points).

a. What observations did the scientists make leading up to this research study?

b. State the specific hypothesis that is being tested in this experiment.

c. Describe the experimental design including control and treatment group(s).

d. What are the dependent and independent variables?

e. Summarize the results and the conclusions of the study.

3. Analyze the research study. Things to consider: Were the test subjects and treatments relevant and appropriate? Was the sample size large enough? Were the methods used appropriate? Can you think of a potential bias in a research study like this? What are the limitations of the conclusions made in this research study? Address at least two of these questions in your critique of the study (20 points).

4. Discuss the relevance of this type of research, both for the world in general and for you personally (20 points).